Independent Position Research Articles

Dissymmetrization in eudialyte-group minerals. I. A model of ordered cation arrangement in the crystal structure of amableite-(Ce) using the P3 symmetry

The crystal structure of the recently discovered eudialyte group mineral, amabellite-(Ce) Na15[(Ce1.5Na1.5)Mn3]Mn2Zr3£Si[Si24O69(OH)3](OH)2 · H2O, found in the hyperagpaitic pegmatite of the Saint-Amable massif (Canada), has been solved by X-ray structural analysis within the space group R3. Amabellite-(Ce) is a member of the eudialyte group with the lowest calcium content and differs from other members of this group by the dominance of lanthanides in the part of the edge-sharing octahedra of the six-membered ring. The unit cell parameters of the mineral are: a = 14.1340(2), c = 30.378(1) Å, V = 5255.6(3) ų. A model of the cation distribution in the crystal structure of amabellite-(Ce) within the low-symmetry space group P3 has been proposed. The obtained 162 independent positions were refined in the isotropic-anisotropic approximation of atomic displacements using 3968 F 3σ(F), R = 4.6%. Despite the fairly close results, the transition from space group R3 to P3 allows for more detailed information on the local distribution of a number of elements over the framework positions. A comparison was made between the crystal structure models of amabellite within the symmetries R3 and P3, as well as other low-calcium eudialyte group minerals previously studied within several space groups.

Features of the Structure and Thermal Properties of LnBWO6 (La = Ln, La0.999Nd0.001, La0.99Gd0.01) Synthesized by the Sol-Gel Method

Borate tungstates LnBWO6 (Ln = La, La0.999Nd0.001, La0.99Gd0.01) were synthesized by the Pechini method with subsequent annealing of intermediates. They were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and DSC methods. Crystallographic parameters of synthesized LnBWO6 were refined by powder X-ray diffraction in two systems: monoclinic, space group P21, and orthorhombic, space group P222. The presence of reversible first-order phase transitions in synthesized LnBWO6 was detected using the DSC method, and the temperatures and enthalpies of phase transformations were determined. It has been shown that Nd3+ and Gd3+ dopants lowers the L- → H- phase transition temperature of LaBWO6. According to experimental electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) data gadolinium has two independent positions in the La0.99Gd0.01BWO6 structure.

‘Rhythmite’, Ca29(SiO4)8Cl26, an Anthropogenic Phase from the Chelyabinsk Coal Basin (Ural, Russia) with a Complex Modular Structure Related to α-Ca3SiO4Cl2 (‘Albovite’): Crystal Structure, Raman Spectra, and Thermal Expansion

‘Rhythmite’, Ca29(SiO4)8Cl26, an anthropogenic calcium chloride silicate from the Chelyabinsk coal basin (South Ural, Russia), was investigated using chemical microprobe analysis, in situ single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis (27–727 °C), and Raman spectroscopy. ‘Rhythmite’ is orthorhombic, Pnma: a = 17.0749(6), b = 15.1029(5), c = 13.2907(4) Å, and V = 3427.42(18) Å3 (R1 = 0.045). The crystal structure of ‘rhythmite’ consists of a porous framework formed by Ca-O bonds and SiO4 tetrahedra with additional Ca2+ cations and Cl− anions in the structure interstices. The framework is built up from multinuclear [Ca15(SiO4)4]14+ fundamental building blocks (FBBs) cut from the crystal structure of α-Ca3SiO4Cl2 (‘albovite’). The FBBs are linked by sharing common Ca atoms to form a network with an overall pcu topology. The empirical chemical formula was calculated as Ca29.02(Si7.89Al0.05P0.05)Ʃ7.99O32Cl26 (on the basis of Cl + O = 58). ‘Rhythmite’ is stable up to 627 °C and expands slightly anisotropically (αmax/αmin = 1.40) in the ab and bc planes and almost isotropically in the ac plane (α33/α11 = 1.02) with the following thermal expansion coefficients (×106 °C−1): α11 = 14.6(1), α22 = 20.5(4), α33 = 15.0(3), and αV = 50.1(6) (room temperature). During expansion, the silicate tetrahedra remain relatively rigid with average bond length changes of less than 0.5%. A structural complexity analysis indicates that ‘rhythmite’ is complex, with IG,total = 920.313 (bits/u.c.), which significantly exceeds the average value of structural complexity for silicates and is caused by the modular framework construction and the presence of a large number of independent positions in the crystal structure.

Digital Media Competence in the Mexican Interactive Generation. Have Digital Competence Programs Worked in Mexico?

Objective: This research presents results of the digital media competence scale applied to Mexican youth during the period 2009-2023. With this evidence, the study is contrasted theoretically and empirically with the five major official programs on digital media competence implemented by the Ministry of Public Education of Mexico in said period. Theoretical Framework: The study was adjusted to the recommendations of international organizations such as UNESCO (2018) and the European Union (Livingstone, 2019). The scale was developed and adapted from a broader study on Internet consumption habits, digital skills, and online sociability in young people (León, et al., 2013; 2014; 2015). Method: A quantitative methodology of longitudinal descriptive cut was applied to present the empirical results of the scale on a sample of (N=4,753) high school students in Mexico. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed the need to include a permanent teacher training program on literacy and basic digital skills in the field of basic education, as well as the creation of content on digital communication and information in all basic education plans and programs. Research Implications: The practical and theoretical implications of this research provide sensitive information to modify future management programs within the public policy on digital culture. Originality/Value: The study contributes to the specialized literature by highlighting the management challenges that the New Mexican School headed by the current government should consider. The relevance and value of the data presented show a critical and independent position in contrast to the government's positions.

Three new species of the genus ‘Carteria’ (Chlamydomonadales, Chlorophyceae) with the proposal of correct generic names

ABSTRACT ‘Carteria’ is a genus of quadriflagellate chlamydomonadalean green algae, however this genus is not thought to be a monophyletic group. In this study, we investigated nine strains of ‘Carteria’ newly isolated from China by morphological comparisons and molecular phylogeny of 18S rDNA and rbcL genes. Five strains could be identified as existing ‘Carteria’ species. Four strains with clearly different morphology and independent phylogenetic positions compared with the described ‘Carteria’ species were identified as three new species. Since the original type species, Carteria cordiformis, has been recognized as a prasinophyte alga, the generic name Carteria cannot be applied to other species previously assigned to ‘Carteria’. Six ‘Carteria’ species (including three new species) and one Pseudocarteria species of Carteria-Clade I were transferred to the genus Corbierea, and the description of this genus was emended. A new genus, Staurocarteria gen. nov. was proposed for Carteria-Clade II.

Christopher Martin Dobson. 8 October 1949 — 8 September 2019

Christopher Martin Dobson was a distinguished biophysical chemist who earned an international reputation for his work on protein folding, misfolding and aggregation. Protein folding is a crucial process in biochemistry where a protein transitions from a disordered state to a structured, three-dimensional form after being synthesized by a ribosome. This transformation is essential for the protein to attain its biological functionality. The intricate folding pathway is guided by various interactions between amino acids within the protein chain. When protein folding goes awry, it can lead to misfolded proteins, which are associated with various disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The study of protein folding and misfolding has significant implications for both basic science and medical research. Chris's career spanned almost five decades, resulted in more than 870 publications and established a legacy that will influence the lives of many for decades to come. His outstanding mentorship resulted in some 100 of his former students and post-docs taking up independent positions at academic institutions in all parts of the world, while his research work has left a lasting imprint on the biophysical sciences and inspired an entire generation of research scientists.

Improvement of Single-Crystal Structures of Very Heavy Element Compounds by Refining Anomalous Dispersion Parameters.

Refining the anomalous dispersion parameters of the four uranium compounds NaUF5, NaU2F9, Cs2(UO2)TiO4, and Cs2(UO2)Ti2O6 gave insights into the crystallographic model improvement of very heavy atoms. We found that the values for the dispersive and absorptive parts, f' and f″, closely followed the X-ray absorption spectra on their L3, L2, and L1 edges. The obtained values are sensitive to the chemical environment at each crystallographically independent position. An incorrect treatment of the anomalous dispersion correction can lead to a wrong crystallographic model. The above-mentioned, already published structures were improved by this process. General guidelines were given for the crystal structure determination of very heavy compounds. When using Mo Kα radiation with uranium compounds, the proximity of its energy to the uranium L-edges causes a noticeable effect.

The Strategic Management of Ukraine in The Ukraine vs Russia War: An Analysis Through SWOT Framework

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has significant implications for Ukraine's strategic management, presenting challenges across military, economic, and political dimensions. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Ukraine's strategic management approach using the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) framework. Ukraine's strengths include a strong national identity, support from Western allies, and a capable military, which have helped maintain its sovereignty despite Russian aggression. However, weaknesses such as economic challenges, internal political divisions, and dependence on Western support hinder its independence and strategic position. Opportunities for Ukraine lie in building stronger alliances with Western countries, overcoming economic challenges, and implementing diplomatic initiatives. These efforts can provide financial and military assistance, address economic issues, and achieve goals through negotiation. Threats to Ukraine include Russian military power, economic coercion, and political interference, which limit Ukraine's ability to achieve its objectives and make it vulnerable to regional pressures. This paper examines Ukraine's strategic position in the conflict, considering geopolitical dynamics, military capabilities, and historical context, highlighting the strategic management approach through the SWOT framework.

Pathway to Independence - an interview with Marcella Birtele.

Marcella Birtele completed her PhD in Malin Parmar's lab at Lund University, Sweden, where her project involved characterising stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurons with the long-term goal of transplanting these neurons into patients with Parkinson's disease. She is now a postdoc at the University of Southern California, USA, where she has been using cortical organoids to explore the role of autism spectrum disorder-associated genes in neural development. Marcella was selected as one of our 2024 PI fellows, a group of researchers who will be supported by Development's Pathway to Independence Programme as they aim to secure independent positions. We spoke to Marcella to hear why she decided to apply to the programme, and how the research questions she hopes to address with her own lab will bridge her previous neurodegeneration and neural development studies.

Pathway to Independence - an interview with Eirini Maniou.

Eirini Maniou completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Patras, Greece, before moving to the UK to complete a Master's at the University of Bath and a PhD at the University of Dundee. For her postdoctoral work at University College London, Eirini turned her attention to neural tube morphogenesis, and she is now employing engineering principles to explore this developmental process at the University of Padua, Italy, where she is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions postdoctoral fellow. Eirini was selected as one of our 2024 PI fellows, a group of researchers who will be supported by Development's Pathway to Independence Programme as they aim to secure independent positions. We spoke to Eirini to hear more about her career so far, why she decided to apply to the programme and what research questions she would like to address with her own group.

Atacama desert is a source of new Micromonospora strains: description of Micromonospora sicca sp. nov

Several strains were isolated from subsurface soil of the Atacama Desert and were previously assigned to the Micromonospora genus. A polyphasic study was designed to determine the taxonomic affiliation of isolates 4G51T, 4G53, and 4G57. All the strains showed chemotaxonomic properties in line with their classification in the genus Micromonospora, including meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell wall peptidoglycan, MK-9(H4) as major respiratory quinone, iso-C15:0 and iso-C16:0 as major fatty acids and diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol as major polar lipids. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of strains 4G51T, 4G53, and 4G57 showed the highest similarity (97.9 %) with the type strain of Micromonospora costi CS1-12T, forming an independent branch in the phylogenetic gene tree. Their independent position was confirmed with genome phylogenies, being most closely related to the type strain of Micromonospora kangleipakensis. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity analyses between the isolates and their closest phylogenomic neighbours confirmed that they should be assigned to a new species within the genus Micromonospora for which the name Micromonospora sicca sp. nov. (4G51T=PCM 3031T=LMG 30756T) is proposed.

Multi-sensor fusion for robust indoor localization of industrial UAVs using particle filter

Abstract Robotic platforms including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) require an accurate and reliable source of position information, especially in indoor environments where GNSS cannot be used. This is typically accomplished by using multiple independent position sensors. This paper presents a UAV position estimation mechanism based on a particle filter, that combines information from visual odometry cameras and visual detection of fiducial markers. The article proposes very compact, lightweight and robust method for indoor localization, that can run with high frequency on the UAV’s onboard computer. The filter is implemented such that it can seamlessly handle sensor failures and disconnections. Moreover, the filter can be extended to include inputs from additional sensors. The implemented approach is validated on data from real-life UAV test flights, where average position error under 0.4 m was achieved.

An overactuated aerial robot based on cooperative quadrotors attached through passive universal joints: Modeling, control and 6-DoF trajectory tracking

This article discusses a novel aerial robot architecture that overcomes the underactuation of conventional multirotor systems without adding dedicated rotor tilting actuators. The proposed system is based on four quadrotors cooperatively carrying a central body to which they are attached through passive universal joints. While conventional parallel axis multirotors are underactuated, the proposed mechanism makes the system overactuated, enabling independent position and orientation control of the main body. This implies that the payload can be carried in the minimum drag orientation, it enables take-off and landing on inclined surfaces and it provides thrust-vectoring capabilities to the system, leading to high control authority. A detailed dynamic model is derived making use of Lagrangian formalism and a hierarchical control law based on such model is proposed to stabilize the system. This control law is designed to ensure good tracking while minimizing power consumption. The proposed control law and the capabilities of the architecture are evaluated in simulation and in outdoor experimental flights, where the aerial robot shows autonomous tracking of the six degrees of freedom (DoF) of the main body, an inherently unfeasible maneuver for conventional underactuated multirotors.

Opt-Out Implied Licenses in Copyright Law: from Search Engines to GPAI Models

Abstract Traditionally, the doctrine of implied license is consistent with the default of copyright law, because it requires evidence of a clear grant. Currently, US and German courts have implicitly applied an extended doctrine of implied licenses in the search engine context: opt-out implied licenses. This article calls for legislative recognition of opt-out implied licenses and identifies the unique mechanism and independent position in copyright law. Furthermore, two criteria, i.e. efficiency and balance, are proposed to assess the applicability of the doctrine. The proposed criteria can guide legislators in crafting legal norms that the opt-out implied license applies in specific contexts. On this basis, this article makes the case that opt-out implied licenses have some implications for training general-purpose AI models (hereinafter ‘GPAI models’) using copyrighted materials and that the proposed criteria can help better design and improve the law.

Syntheses and Patterns of Changes in Structural Parameters of the New Quaternary Tellurides EuRECuTe3 (RE = Ho, Tm, and Sc): Experiment and Theory.

The layered orthorhombic quaternary tellurides EuRECuTe3 (RE = Ho, Tm, Sc) with Cmcm symmetry were first synthesized. Single crystals of the compounds up to 500 μm in size were obtained by the halide-flux method at 1120 K from elements taken in a ratio of Eu/RE/Cu/Te = 1:1:1:3. In the series of compounds, the changes in lattice parameters were in the ranges a = 4.3129(3)-4.2341(3) Å, b = 14.3150(9)-14.1562(9) Å, c = 11.2312(7)-10.8698(7) Å, V = 693.40(8)-651.52(7) Å3. In the structures, the cations Eu2+, RE3+ (RE = Ho, Tm, Sc), and Cu+ occupied independent crystallographic positions. The structures were built with distorted copper tetrahedra forming infinite chains [CuTe4]7- and octahedra [RETe6]9- forming two-dimensional layers along the a-axis. These coordination polyhedra formed parallel two-dimensional layers CuRETe32-∞2. Between the layers, along the a-axis, chains of europium trigonal prisms [EuTe6]10- were located. Regularities in the variation of structural parameters and the degree of distortion of coordination polyhedra depending on the ionic radius of the rare-earth metal in the compounds EuRECuCh3 (RE = Ho, Er, Tm, Lu, Sc; Ch = S, Se, Te) were established. It is shown that with a decrease in the ionic radius ri(RE3+) in the compounds EuRECuTe3, the unit-cell volume, bond length d(RE-Te), distortion degree [CuTe4]7-, and crystallographic compression of layers [RECuTe3]2- decreased. The distortion degree of tetrahedral polyhedra [CuCh4]7-, as well as the structural parameters in europium rare-earth copper tellurides EuRECuTe3, were higher than in isostructural quaternary chalcogenides. Ab initio calculations of the crystalline structure, phonon spectrum, and elastic properties of compounds EuRECuTe3 (RE = Ho, Tm, and Sc) ere conducted. The types and wave numbers of fundamental modes were determined, and the involvement of ions in IR and Raman modes was assessed. The calculated data of the crystal structure correlated well with the experimental results.

Asymmetric relations and systemic misperceptions: Why and how Australia and China talk past each other

Caught by conflicts, both Australia and China exhibited confused attitudes towards each other’s motives. For China, despite the common interests of strong economic and trade complementarities, Australia acts as a vassal state of the USA, campaigning against China for no reason. For Canberra, it has been frustrated by China’s ignorance of Australia’s independent position and concerns. This article explores the fundamental cause behind this misperception, arguing that asymmetric relationships lead two countries to put their attention on different levels, generating misinterpretations from both sides. As a great power, China concentrates on worldwide competition with the USA and prioritizes its global strategy while underplaying concerns of Australia. However, in Australia’s agenda, regional security and China’s expansion deepened its anxiety, so its over-attention spotlighted Beijing’s moves in a sensitive scenario. The asymmetry exacerbates each other’s threats. The article provides a systematic explanation of the China–Australia tension and clarifies the mechanism behind asymmetric relations.

Personal life environment within the socio-political context of modern Russia: status according to the attribute of certainty

The subject of the article relates to the sociological discourse on the category of uncertainty at the personal level of analysis. The uncertainty of the environment inherently contains risks as a potential possibility of damage from an adverse outcome of events, phenomena, processes. The strategy of the analysis presented in the article takes as the initial and independent position of the study the fact that there is such a context in the environment, such conditions that can serve as sources of risks of various levels. In the research proposed in the article, the author proceeds from the fact that a fundamentally risky socio-political context at the country level (SMO, increasing sanctions pressure) by a particular person may not be perceived as causing uncertainty in the space of his personal life environment. The empirical basis of the analysis is data from a representative survey of the Russian population conducted on a quota sample in June 2023. A methodological approach is applied, the peculiarity of which is the formation within the sample the target groups according to the criterion corresponding to the main goal of the analysis – self-determination of the living environment status. The data was rearranged and analyzed under an intelligence strategy aimed at identifying similarities and differences between those who positively and clearly see their life prospects and those who are in a situation of uncertainty about the future and the present. The analysis of those resources and features that have the greatest weight in differentiating the selfdetermination of the living environment status within the risky external environment made it possible to assess their internal relationship and carry out an empirical (real), as opposed to a priori (theoretical) grouping. The empirical grouping revealed three blocks of resource determinants of differences between target groups in determining the adaptive status of the living environment, which correlate with the components of subjective intelligence: emotional as the ability to recognize, understand and use emotions, with social as skills and experience of communication with the institutional environment, rationality as the presence of skills of self-organization and self-control.

Modality and Actuality: Lukács’s Criticism of Hegel in History and Class Consciousness

Abstract The present article tries to show the originality of Lukács’s theory of Actuality (Wirklichkeit) by comparing it with the same notion in Hegel’s Logic. It results that Lukács’s interpretation of Marxism and the Russian Revolution depends on a clear and independent theoretical position with regard to Hegel and his Idealistic theory of Modality. Particular importance is given to the new conception of the Dialectical interplay between the notions of Objective Possibility and Historical Necessity.

Desmodesmus pseudoperforatus sp. nov., a giant in Desmodesmus, series Maximi

ABSTRACT Series Maximi is a group within Desmodesmus (Chlorophyta) which contains the three species D. maximus, D. perforatus and D. tropicus. Besides their large cell sizes, the most striking morphological trait unique to the members of this genus is the presence of large perforations between the coenobial cells. The perforations are either present (D. perforatus and D. tropicus) or the space between the cells is completely sealed (D. maximus). We report here a fourth species of the series based on two strains (AICB 1155 and AICB 1572) from freshwater environments of the Danube Delta, Romania. The ultrastructure of the cell walls revealed a partial closure of the space between the cells which creates slightly visible perforations in light microscopy. Analyses of DNA sequences and secondary structure of the ITS2 fragment by coalescent (PTP, GMYC), distance (ASAP), and evolutionary modelbased methods (ML, BI) indicated a fourth candidate species which included both the AICB strains investigated and other strains with similar morphological traits from reference literature. Despite its poor representation in public databases, analysis of the SSU rDNA gene for the series Maximi strengthened the ITS2 results. Therefore, based on its larger cell sizes relative to the other members of the series, cell morphology, the presence of partial perforations and other peculiarities of the cell wall ultrastructure, the independent phylogenetic position, CBCs analysis, and a different ‘DNA signature’ within the ITS2 fragment we suggest that this clade should be described as a new taxon of the series Maximi, Desmodesmus pseudoperforatus sp. nov.

A novel identification method for all geometric errors of rotary axis based on boundaryless constraint optimization method

For the redundancy in definition of position independent geometric errors(PIGEs) and position dependent geometric errors(PDGEs), it is difficult to identify all geometric errors of rotational axis simultaneously. A novel identification method using boundaryless constraint optimization method(BCOM) is established to improve PIGEs and PDGEs identification accuracy of rotary axis. For PIGEs, the two different dimension errors are identified separately based on least square method through appropriate measurement direction by double ball bar(DBB), and thus decrease condition number of identification matrix. For PDGEs, the B-spline curve is applied to fit the geometric errors and the objective function has been established. Several measurement paths are conducted and geometric errors are figured out by iterations of objective function. Furthermore, setup errors of DBB are investigated and discussed based on the sensitivity analysis. Finally, Simulations and experiments are conducted and their results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.